Army officials detained a person of interest in the suspected murder of Sgt. Sarah Roque. Her body was found earlier this week in a dumpster near single soldier housing at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Roque, 23, was reported missing Monday, Oct. 21, after she failed to report for duty. Her body was discovered later that day on base.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division, in collaboration with the FBI, is investigating Roque’s death as a homicide. Officials have not disclosed details about the detained person of interest or potential motives, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Army CID confirmed there is no broader threat to the community, and that forensic analysis is playing a central role in the inquiry.
Originally from Ligonier, Indiana, Roque enlisted in 2020 and served as a mine dog handler with the Fifth Engineer Battalion, specializing in detecting explosives. She received several honors during her service, including the Army Commendation Medal and Good Conduct Medal.
“Sgt. Roque was a devoted daughter, sister, friend, and soldier who served her country with courage and commitment,” Maj. Gen. Christopher Beck, Fort Leonard Wood’s commanding general.
Fort Leonard Wood, located in central Missouri, serves as a primary training facility for the U.S. Army, training approximately 80,000 military personnel annually.
